When to Mark Images as Decorative or Add Alternate Text

Today’s post provides practical ways to evaluate images, write meaningful alt text, and identify cases where marking an image as decorative is the better choice.

Images can improve visual design, reinforce ideas, or communicate information, but not every image needs a description for assistive technologies. Understanding the difference helps prevent unnecessary screen reader output while ensuring important visual content remains accessible.

Video Guide

Understanding Decorative Images

People often ask how to determine whether an image is decorative. Use a simple test: does the image add value to the information in the document?

If the image adds meaning, context, or information, write alt text.
If it does not, mark it as decorative so screen readers skip it.

You cannot discuss decorative images without also discussing alt text.

Thinking About Alt Text

A helpful way to think about alt text is to imagine calling a friend and describing the image you see. Focus on what matters most in that explanation.

You usually do not need to describe every visual detail. Describe the main point or takeaway.

Marking Images as Decorative in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word makes it easy to mark an image as decorative.

Right-click the image.
Select View Alt Text.
Choose the option to mark the image as decorative.

Here’s my guide to alternate text in PDF.

Repeated Logos in Documents

Logos often appear in headers, especially in long documents. If the same logo repeats across many pages, alt text becomes repetitive and adds no value. Mark repeated logos as decorative to keep screen reader output clean.

Common Decorative Images

Many visuals serve a purely stylistic purpose and do not contribute information.

Examples include:

Stock photos used only for visual appeal
Generic business images, such as people shaking hands
Background gradients
Textures or patterns
Decorative lines, dividers, and arrows used for layout

Examples of Alt Text That Add Value

Contextual Photos

If a photo carries meaning beyond what the surrounding text provides, write alt text that captures the context, not just the visuals.

Charts and Graphs

For charts, you may decide to describe the key takeaway. Or, if it’s key to a user’s understanding, you can list every data point.

Meaningful Icons

If an icon signals something specific throughout the document, give it alt text that names that meaning. If it serves only as decoration, mark it as decorative.

Questions to Guide Your Decision

When deciding whether to write alt text or mark an image decorative, ask:

Does the image add information the text does not include?
Would a sighted reader learn something by seeing the image?
Would removing the image change understanding?

If the answer is yes to any of these, write alt text. If not, mark the image as decorative.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!